Courses and Degrees in Video Game Development in The U.S. Have Grown 50% In Five Years

Just how much of an influence does video gaming and its future have on our society, well according to research released by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) now 390 colleges, universities, and other academic institutions in the United States offer professional certificates and undergraduate or graduate degrees in video game design. This marks an increase of more than 50% since 2009, when 254 schools offered such programs.

Students interested in game design and developmentcareers possess greater academic options to choose from than their predecessors, including a broader range of degrees and school locations. Degree programs are available at schools in all 50 states and Washington DC, and are preparing the video game industry’s future leaders.

Offerings range from awarding professional certificates and associate degrees to master’s degrees and doctorate programs at schools such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, New York University, University of Southern California, Carnegie Mellon University, DePaul University, Michigan State University, Dartmouth College, Arizona State University, and Ohio State University.

Currently, California offers the greatest number of video game-related courses or degrees (73), followed by New York (26). Illinois and Texas tie for third place with 24 schools. Other leaders include Florida (22), Pennsylvania (19), Minnesota (17), and Massachusetts (14).

“As video games have become a major component of popular culture, we’ve seen more academic programs addressing games from a variety of perspectives, whether it be aesthetic, cultural, educational, or economic,” said Drew Davidson, director of the Entertainment Technology Center at Carnegie Mellon University. “This is only going to increase the influence video games have in our culture as students graduate with more of a critical grasp of the unique capabilities of games, and apply that in their careers and lives.”

Currently, California offers the greatest number of video game-related courses or degrees (73), followed by New York (26). Illinois and Texas tie for third place with 24 schools. Other leaders include Florida (22), Pennsylvania (19), Minnesota (17), and Massachusetts (14).